Target-practice apparatus.



H. A. STEBBINS & A. A. ADAMS.

TARGET PRACTICE APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 26, 1907.

w r m A W M a m 0 M a e H w. W. U m I 0 n a m M 7 j D m /fl i. Q

. &

cowmnm PLANOGRAI'H c0.. WASHINGTON. D. c.

H. A. STEBBINS & A. A. ADAMS.

TARGET PRACTICE APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 26, 1907. 1,041,365. Patented Oct. 15, 1912.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

LA I lll H. A. STEBBINS & A. A. ADAMS.

TARGET PRACTICE APPARATUS.

2 1 9 1 Rm 1 b G 0 d Bu b n m a P 7 0 9 1 6 2 N A u D E L I F N 0 I T A0 I L P P A 4 SHBBTSSHBET 3.

,Zivaezng;

COLUMBIA pumoamwn CCLJ'WASHINGTON, o. c.

H. A. STEBBINS & A. A. ADAMS.

TARGET PRACTICE APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 26, 1907.

Patented Oct. 15, 1912.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

cuummm PLANOURAPII cc., WASI uNuTON, D. c.

UNETD STATES PATENT @FFllfJE.

HENRY A. STEBBINS, 0F MALDEN, AND ARTHUR A. ADAMS, 0F BR-OOKLINE, MASSA-CHUSETTS, ASSIGNOBS, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO ATLANTIC NATIONAL BANK, OFPROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, A CORPORATION (3F RHODE ISLAND.

TARGET-PRACTICE APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 15,1912.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, HENRY A. STEBBINS and ARTHUR A. ADAMS, citizens ofthe United States, residing, respectively, at Malden, in the county ofMiddlesex, and Brookline, in the county of Norfolk, both in the State ofMassachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Target-PracticeApparatus, of which the following description, in connection with theaccompanying drawings, is a specification, like letters on the drawingsrepresenting like parts.

Our invention relates to target practice apparatus and more particularlyto the class of target practice apparatus employing means for recordingthe air. without the necessary issuance of any projectile from theaiming device, such, by way of example, as is described in the U. S.Patent No. 739,778 granted to Henry H. Cummings September 22, 1903. Inthe patent referred to there is specifically disclosed a target practiceapparatus employing an aiming device, therein a gun, adapted to be aimedat a main target but so connected with following means, including arecording needle, that the latter is caused to follow the aimingmvements of the aiming device relatively to a secondary or miniaturetarget. At the time of firing, whether actual or simulated, the ai ispermanently recorded, upon the secondary target by movement of thelatter toward and against the point of the recording needle and withoutthe necessary issuance of any projectile from the gun, the relationsbetween the aiming device, the main target, the needle, and thesecondary targ t being such that the line of sight of the aiming devicerelatively to the main target is at all times faithfully reproduced bythe needle with reference to the secondary target.

Our invention provides a simple but effective target practice apparatuswhich is particularly desirable where a considerable freedom of movementis required for the aiming device, such, for example, as ordinarilyaccompanies the use of a revolver, which, when employed either inpractice or actual use, is often swept through a considerable range ofmovement before deliberate and final sight is taken upon the distantobject. Many of the features of the invention are, however, applicableto a target practice apparatus of other types, as will clearly appear.

Our invention will be best understood as to the features suggested inthe foregoing paragraph and other features of novelty involved thereinby reference to the following description of one type or embodiment ofthe invention selected for illustrative purposes, the scope of theinvention being pointed out in the appended claims.

Figure l is a side elevation of a target practice apparatus embodyingone form of our invention and intended in the present instance for usein connection with a re volver; Fig. 2 is a vertical central section ofthe base and the lower portion of the support mounted thereon; Fig. 2 isa detail of certain of the electrical connections adjacent the base;Fig. 3 is a section taken upon the line 33 of Fig. 1 and looking towardthe base; Fig. alis a plan view of the upper portion of the supportshown at the right in Fig. l and showing the horizontal member thereof;Fig. et is a horizontal longitudinal section of one of the bearings forsaid horizontal member; Fig. 5 is an end view looking toward the left inFig. l of the right-hand end of the target and aiming device supportingframe, the upper horizontal porticn of the support being shown invertical section; Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the construction shownin Fig. 5 and showing the main target in position; Fig. 7 is a plan ofthe aiming device supporting frame proper showing a revolver positionedtherein, said frame being shown as broken away at the right-hand endthereof; Fig. 8 is a side elevation of the aiming device supportingframe proper showing a revolver positioned therein and also thesecondary or sub-target and a position of the supporting means therefor;Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional view partly in elevation of theright-hand end (viewing Fig. l) of the aiming device supporting frameproper and showing the swiveled connection between the same and thetarget and aiming device supporting frame; Fig. 10 is a side elevationof the main parts shown in Fig. 8 but representing in full lines therevolver and following means as occupying a raised position and indotted lines as occupying a depressed position; Fig. 11 is a detailshowing in side elevation the following means and adjacent supportingand positioning means therefor, the said following means being adaptedto cooperate with the secondary or sub-target in the production of therecord; Fig. 12 is a horizontal sectional detail upon the section line1212 of Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is a vertical section upon the line 1313 ofFig. 11, looking toward the right in said figure and showing therelation of the following means, its support and the following meanspositioning device; Fig. 14 is a side elevation partly in verticalsection of the secondary or sub-target, and one form of operating meanstherefor.

Having reference to the one type or embodiment of our inventionillustrated in the accompanying drawings, the aiming device 1, which maybe of any desired type or construction, but which is herein shown as arevolver of the Colt arm type, is so associated with a relativelydistant target 2, preferably at the opposite end of the apparatus, thata free aiming movement of the revolver relatively to the target, ispermitted the marksman. Deviations of the line of sight of the revolverfrom the bulls-eye of the target are by the connections hereinafterdescribed, duplicated by the corresponding deviations of the followingmeans, herein shown as consisting of a recording needle 3, which moveswith reference to a secondary or sub-target, so that in the saidsubtarget, which, in this type of the invention is movable toward therecording needle the resulting impression made by the point of theneedle correctly records upon the face of the sub-target the aim takenat that instant by the revolver with reference to the main target 2.

In the present type of the invention the apparatus is preferably mounted(Figs. 1 and 2) upon a base 4, herein shown as a hollow casting havingat its lower end a horizontally extended flange 5 and having formedtherewith and centrally thereof the vertically disposed bearing 6,adapted to receive a spindle 7 the upper and preferably tapered end 8thereof being seated in a corresponding vertical centrally disposedrecess 9, in the lower horizontal member or casting 10 of the mainsupport 11 and tightly secured therein as by a nut upon the upperthreaded end of the spindle. The said spindle 7 is herein shown asprovided with ball bearings 13 and 13', provided in the bearing 6 of thebase 4, said ball bearings being of any usual or preferred type.

The support 11, is mounted, as previously described, upon the base 4 forrotation about a vertical axis and is itself so constructed and mountedas that it may partake of all necessary or desired movements of theaiming device, the latter being mounted, as hereinafter described, upona target aiming device supporting frame, which itself is mounted uponthe support 11. In the present type of the invention the said supportcomprises a plurality of upright preferably tubular rods or members 12,here shown as four in number and as arranged in two pairs, said rodsbeing pivoted at their lower ends at 12, to the lower member 10 of thesupport, and likewise pivoted at their upper ends at 14, to a normallyhorizontally disposed frame, 15, herein shown (Fig. 4) as comprisingparallel side members 16, having bearings 17 and interposed sleeves 17at opposite ends thereof for horizontally disposed rotatory spindles 18to which the upper ends of the said rods 12 are connected, said spindlesreceiving a partial movement of rotation in said members 16 during theswinging movement of said rods 12 upon the casting 10.

While the support 11 normally maintains an upright position as shown inFig. 1, in order to accommodate the movements of the revolver in thehands of the marksman and particularly the sweeping movements thereof,in a vertical plane about his shoulder or elbow as a center, the saidsupport is in this type of the invention pivotally mounted as previouslydescribed so that the rods or members 12 may be drawn or moved into aninclined position, and the support given a free longitudinal swingingmovement as in dicated in part in dotted lines in Fig. 1, the saidsupport being in equilibrium in any position assumed thereby. In orderthat the support 11 may be in equilibrium in any position assumedthereby, so that the marksman may be allowed a free positioningmovement, and that no weight other than that of the revolver or otheraiming device may be found by the marksman, we employ any suitablemechanism, but in the present type of the invention, we preferablyemploy a spring equilibrium establishing device herein consisting of acoiled spring 19, for each pair of rods 12. In order suitably to connectsaid springs to the rods, each of the latter is herein shown as providedwith a split friction collar 20, between the extended ends 21 of whichis swiveled a block 22, one end of each spring 19 being preferablydirectly connected to the corresponding swiveled block and the other endof each spring being connected to the opposing block by a screw 23.While the support maintains an upright position, the coiled springs 19assume the horizontal position shown in Fig. 1, but when the saidsupport is inclined in either direction, as for example, into theposition indicated in dotted lines in said figure, the friction collarsre main normal to the respective rods 12, and thereby distend the saidsprings and carry them into the inclined position shown in the saidfigure, the contractive force of the said springs, being in any positionassumed by the said support equal to and neutralizing the increaseleverage or apparent weight of the said support due to the assuming aninclined position. It is apparent that the farther the support 11 isinclined in either di rection, the greater becomes the leverage thereof,and that the tension of the springs 19, increases in the same ratio,which is at a minimum when the frame 11 is vertical, the effect beingthat the increasing leverage is neutralized and that the support 11 isin equilibrium in any position assumed thereby. The disclosed form ofspring equilibrium establishing device is employed as it is containedwithin the limits of the frame 11, but other forms of spring or otherequilibrium establishing device may be employed.

Preferably and as herein shown at the upper end of the support 11 andupon the normally horizontal cross member 15 thereof is pivotallymounted a preferably normally vertical end member 15 of the target andaiming device-supporting frame 28, the said end member 15 (Figs. 5 and6) bemg herein shown as consisting of an open elongated frame pivotedintermediate its ends upon a shaft 2st, suitably mounted in the frame15, the construction being such that in the rotative or swingingmovements of the support 11 the said end member 15 of the target andaiming device-supporting frame 23 partakes of such movements but mayitself retain the vertical position shown in Fig. 1, it to this endoscillating about the shaft 2%, the frame 23 being thereby susceptibleof elevation or depression at will. Preferably the frame 15 near one endthereof as between the downwardly inclined ends of the side members isprovided with a cross bar 25, whereon is pivoted a yoke 26 serving as ananchor (Fig. 1) for a coiled spring 27, one end of said spring beingattached to said yoke intermediate its ends and the other end thereofbeing attached in any suitable manner to the end member 15, as by aspindle mounted in notches 27 in the end member 15.

The frame 23 is maintained in equilibrium in any position assumedthereby, whether elevated, depressed or horizontal, by the spring 27,one end whereof is connected to the end member 15 with such relation tothe pivotal point 24 thereof, that if the said frame 23 be tilted, asfor example downwardly, any increase in effective moment of the frame 23due to the increasing leverage thereof is exactly compensated by theincreasing tension of the spring 27, all changes in leverage of the saidframe 23 in any position thereof thus being neutralized by said spring.

The frame 11 and the frame 23 are each maintained in equilibrium in anyposition assumed by either of them. In other words, neither frame candisturb the equilibrium of the other, whatever position it assumes byeither, it being understood that when the equilibrium of the frame 23 isreferred to, is meant such frame when the revolver or other aimingdevice is not positioned thereon. The main target preferably carriedupon the target and aiming device supporting-frame and to this end thesaid end member 15 is provided (Figs. 5 and 6) with an eye 28 adapted toreceive a depending leg of the said main target, a set screw beingprovided to secure the target in any desired position or verticaladjustment. The said target and aiming device-supporting frame 23 isherein shown as comprising the end member 15 having rigidly securedtherein, as by brazing, the rods 31 and 32, the former being hereinshown as horizontally disposed and the latter as having an inclinedposition. Any other suitable form of frame may of course be employed.The said rods are at or near their forward or left-hand ends viewingFig. 1, preferably rigidly secured in an opposite end member 33 (Figs. 1and 9), the upper end of said opposite end member receiving therein(Fig. 9) a horizontally disposed bearing 34, wherein is secured andpreferably by a ball bearing construction of any suitable type, one end35 of the carrier or aiming devicesupporting frame proper 36 (Fig. 7)constituting the so-called sustaining means. The said aimingdevice-supporting frame proper or sustaining means is in the presenttype of the invention preferably composed of parallel side members 37,connected and preferably at one end by a cross bar 88, from whichextends mid-way the length thereof the end 35 previously referred to.The aiming device which in the present type of the invention is arevolver, is mounted in the said supporting frame and preferably so thatnormally the line of sight of the revolver intersects at the bulls-eyeof the main target the axial line of the aiming devicesupporting frameproper as shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 1. By mounting the revolverin this manner it may while held in the hand of the marksman be turnedor oscillated as by a twisting movement of the wrist, about the saidaXis of the supporting frame proper or sustaining means as a cen terwithout deflecting the revolver from a position wherein the line ofsight thereof intersects at the bullseye of the main target the axialline of the said supporting frame member. In other words, so long as therevolver is truly swung about the axis of the said supporting frame andwithout deflection the line of sight thereof constitutes an element of acone, the apex whereof is located at the bulls-eye, said cone beinggenerated by a complete revolution of the revolver about the said axisof the said aiming device-supporting frame proper.

The revolver 1 is so supported as that it may be freely manipulated bythe marksman and to this end is mounted so that it may partake of thedesired aiming movement such as may be imparted thereto by the wristmovement of the user and also so that it may be swept in an arc aboutthe shoulder or elbow of the marksman as a center, provision being madeto this end in view of the fact that many marksinen indulge in acharacteristic arm-sweep of the revolver preliminary to the deliberateaim ing movement, the arc of such sweep frequently extending below aswell as above a horizontal plane.

In order that the revolver may partake of the necessary aiming movementsit is so mounted in the supporting frame member that it may be swung ordeflected either to the right or to the left of the axis of said frame,which, as previously stated, intersects the bulls-eye of the maintarget. To this end the revolver is rigidly secured by suitableconnections, as by a securing pin or screw 89, and dowel pins 39, to alongitudinal frame or member 40 (Figs. 7 and 8), serving as anintermediate support for the revolver and herein shown as pivoted as bythe vertically disposed screw 41 to an opposite end member 42 of thesaid supporting frame proper, said opposite end member preferably havingupon its under side, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 7, stops 42 tolimit the swinging movement of the said longitudinal member 40. Theconstruction described constitutes one form of deflecting movementpermitting means.

In order that the revolver may be raised or lowered by the marksmaneither in the deliberate aiming movement, as by the wrist of themarksman or in the characteristic sweeping arm movement referred to, theopposite end member 42 to which the member 40 is pivoted for a lateralswinging movement, is itself mounted for movement in a vertical planeand relatively to the supporting frame proper to constitute one form ofpositioning movement support. To this end the said opposite end member42 is herein shown as formed as a bail, the opposite ends whereof arepivotally supported upon hor1- zontally disposed pins 43, mounted in theends of the side bars 37 of the supporting frame proper. In Fig. 10 therevolver is shown in full lines as swung about the pivotal pins 43 ofthe bail 42 into an upward position and in dotted lines as swung into adownward position, it being apparent that the revolver when swung intoeither position here shown either by an arm movement or in the finalaiming movement as by a wrist movement, may at the same time be swung tothe right or to the left upon the pin 41 as an axis and may also beswung in the manner previously described about the axis of thedevice-supporting frame proper as a center. Thus, it will be perceivedthat the revolver has essentially a universal connection, permitting afree aiming movement thereof resulting in deviations in the line ofsight of the revolver with reference to the main target such as arevolver undergoes about the wrist, elbow or shoulder of the marksman asa fulcrum, or such as a rifle undergoes about the marksmans shoulder, itbeing apparent that the invention is not limited in its application tothe use of the particular type of firearm herein illustrated. A revolveror other aiming device supported in accordance with our invention isaccorded free positioning and aiming movements, and any aiming movementresulting in a deflection of the line of sight from the bulls eye of thetarget is accorded its full value and is not neutralized or absorbed bythe inertia of the support or supports, for since they are inequilibrium in any position, they may be moved with absolute freedom andrespond to any and all movements of the aiming device, whether voluntaryor involuntary.

During the aiming movement of the revolver or other aiming device, thefollowing means 3, which in the presenttype of the invention is arecording needle, is caused to undergo a corresponding movement,although in the present embodiment of the invention, when the revolveris swept in an arc, so that the line of revolver sight extends above orbelow the main target and no longer intersects the same, the recordingneedle does not at such times indicate with respect to the sub-targetthe line of revolver sight, such indication at such time beingunnecessary, but as soon as the line of revolver sight again intersectsthe main target, the said recording needle is brought under the controlof devices whereby its movements faithfully record relatively to thesubtarget the movements of the revolver relatively to the main target.

In the present type of the invention the recording needle is hereinshown as mounted upon the pivoted frame 40, that carries the revolver.To this end, in the present type of the invention the forward end ofsaid pivoted member 40, (Figs. 8 and 10) is upwardly inclined, a spiralspring 44, encircling the same. Upon the extreme portion of saidupwardly turned end is mounted the recording needle supporting, device45, of any suitable construction but herein shown as comprising apreferably metallic strip bent intermediate its end to present an openrectangular frame 46, parallel horizontally disposed contacting members47, and upwardly and downwardly extending members as and 49,respectively, the said upwardly extending member tS, having securedthereto a downwardly extending member 50, parallel to and slightlyspaced from the member 5L9, said members having circular holes therein,wherein is received the sphere 51, with which the recording needle 3, ispreferably provided near its rear end, the construction being such thatwhen the needle impinges against a positioning device hereinafterdescribed, the sphere is partially rotated in its support afforded bysaid members 49 and 50, which are herein shown as connected at theirlower ends by a bolt 52. The extremity of the member as, is preferablydownwardly turned, and between the same and the recording needle 3 ismounted a distended coiled spring 53, the tendency whereof is to elevatethe outer or recording end of said needle, the said spring beingsuitably connected to the said needle in any preferred manner. The saidframe a6 is herein shown as received upon the end of the pivoted member40, above the coiled spring 44:, the said frame 46 being upwardlypressed by the said. spring and adjusted to the desired verticalposition by the nut 5-1, disposed upon the extreme end of the saidmember 40. By the described adjustment the recording needle 3 may beraised or lowered in a vertical plane, for a purpose to be hereinaftermore fully described. In order to adjust the said needle in a horizontalplane the upper and preferably reduced extremity of the arm 40, isprovided with a laterally extending lug 55, against which is adapted toimpinge the extremity of an adjustable stop screw 56, mounted in an upriht member of the frame 46. The spiral spring 4%, being connected at itsupper end to said frame 46, the tendency thereof is to rotate the sameabout the upturned end of the member L0, and the degree of rotation maybe adjusted by the said adjusting screw 56, the lateral adjustment ofthe recording needle 3 being thus accomplished. lVhile the recordingneedle 3, may be at all times under the control of a positioning device,so that it may faithfully record the direction of revolver sight, yet aspreviously stated, in the present type of the invention, the saidrecording needle is preferably under the control of the positioningdevice or mechanism only during such times as the line of revolver sightintersects the main target. Since in the present type of the inventionthe recording needle is so mounted as to move with the revolver, therecording needle positioning device 57 (Figs. 10 and 11) is herein shownas so mounted that it normally maintains a horizontal position as shown,

and when the revolver is swept in an upward are from the horizontal, thesaid needle positioning device maintains its horizontal location, therecording needle moving therefrom and being thus withdrawn from thecontrol thereof as the line of revolver sight extends above the maintarget. \Vhen, however, the main target is swept in a down ward arebelow the horizontal, said needle positioning device is in the presenttype of the invention preferably so mounted that it partakes of the saidmovement, although we wish it to be understood that our inventioncomprehends the movement of the aiming device in a downward as well asan upward arc, irrespective'of the connections between the recordingneedle and its positioning device. The said recording needle positioningdevice preferably employed in the present type or embodiment of theinvention comprises a member 57 having a flared or substantially angularopening 58 therein, the apex of the opening being adapted to en gage anddirect the movement of the recording device 3. The said positioningdevice 57 is in the present type of the invention, mounted (Fig. 7) upona generally U- shaped frame 59, the legs whereof are pivoted at theirouter ends upon thepins 48, of the side bars 37 of the frame 36, thesaid legs of the frame 59, preferably having laterally extending ears60, adapted to engage the under side of the side members 37, wherebysaid frame 59 is restrained from a movement upon its pivot above thehorizontal, a coiled spring 61 (Figs. 10 and 8) being connected at oneend to the supporting frame proper, and at its opposite end to a lug 62,depending from the frame 59, thereby to maintain the same normally in ahorizontal position but permitting the described downward movement ofthe frame 59 and the needle positioning device 57 carried thereby whenthe revolver is swept in a downward are below the horizontal.

In the aiming movement proper of the revolver, which, for the purposesof description may be segregated from the preliminary or sweeping armmovement thereof, the line of revolver sight will, excepting in the caseof a poor marksman, intersect the main tar get and therefore during suchaiming movement the recording needle 3 will be under the control of theneedle positioning device 57. The revolver may, however, be swung in anupward are, as indicated in full lines in Fig. 10, at which time therecording needle 3 is in the present type of the invention separatedfrom its positioning device. If, however, it be desired to swing therevolver in a. downward are below the horizontal either after the upwardare swing or preliminary thereto, the recording needle and itspositioning device are preferably in the present type of the invention,during such movement in the downward are, maintained in such relativeposition that the position of the needle is determined by the saidpositioning device 57. Assuming the revolver to be in the upwardlyinclined position shown in Fig. 10, if it be desired to depress the samebelow the horizontal, then in the downward movement thereof the shorterend of the recording needle 3 is brought into engagement with thepositioning device 57, and by the engagement of the said two members theposition of the recording needle is changed to faithfully reproduce theline of sight relative to the main target, which did not in the presenttype of the invention occur during the swing of the revolver in theupward are above the horizontal. The recording needle 3 having been thusreturned and brought under the control of the needle positioning device57 ,the needle follows the line of revolver sight so long as the sameintersects the main target, but if it be desired to swing the revolverin a downward are below the horizontal, during which movement the lineof revolver sight would extend below the main target, it is unnecessarythat the recording needle 3 should correspond in position to the line ofrevolver sight. Inasmuch as in the present type of the invention, duringthe sweep of the revolver in a downward are below the horizontal, theneedle positioning device 57 is itself moved downward, it is notconsidered desirable that the said positioning device should be moveddownward by the impact thereon of the needle 3. Therefore, after theneedle has been positioned, as by engagement thereof with the apex ofthe opening 58 of the positioning device, as shown in Fig. 13, thedownward movement of the rerevolver below the horizontal brings thehorizontal members 47, of the needle positioning device 45, previouslydescribed,into engagement with the flaring sides of said opening 58,this engagement occurring after a brief period of lost motion followingthe engagement of the needle with the apex of the opening 58, duringwhich period of lost motion the needle is positioned to indicate theline of revolver sight so long as the latter intersects the main target.Preferably and substantially as the line of revolver sight passes belowthe main target, the member 47, of the needle positioning device 45,engages the flaring sides of the opening 58, and in the further downwardsweep of the revolver depresses the said needle positioning device 57,which is returned by the spring 61, as the revolver is again liftedtoward the horizontal.

The secondary or sub-target whereon the record of the aim of therevolver is made, (Figs. 8 and 14) is indicated at 62, it beingremovably held in a preferably vertically curved target holder, 63,preferably pivotally mounted (Fig. 1) upon the forward end of thehorizontal member 31, of the target and aiming device supporting frame23, the COll spring 64 belng em ployed to normally maintain the same ina position out of contact with the recording needle 3. Then it isdesired to record the aim of the revolver or other aiming device, arelative movement is imparted to the said secondary or sub-target andthe recording needle. In the present type of the invention we preferablymove the secondary or sub-target toward the needle, so that the targetis brought into contact with the point of the needle. This movement ofthe secondary or sub-target may be accomplished in any suitable manner.In the present instance, however, we preferably connect one portion andherein the lower portion of the pivoted target holder 63 (Figs. 1 and 8)by a wire 64, herein shown as passing through the tubular member 32 andconnected at the opposite end (Figs. 1 and 6), to an armature 65,mounted in suitable relation to a magnet 66, herein shown as carriedupon the end member 15, one terminal of the magnet being connected by asuitable conductor 67, preferably sheathed within one of the rods 12,with a battery 68, herein shown as disposed within the base 4 (Fig. 2).Connected with the opposite pole of the battery 68 is a conductor 69,likewise sheathed within said rods 12, and thence passing through thetubular member 31 to the butt end of the revolver. To permit the freerotation of the support 11 upon the base 4 without interfering withelectrical conductors 67 and 69, any suitable means may be provided, butherein is shown an annular non-conducting disk 67 suitably supported ator near the upper end of the base and having openings therein for thewires directly connected with the battery 68, two metallic conductingrings 68 being mounted upon the upper face of the disk, with whichcontact throughout the rotation of the support 11, two conductingsprings 69 mounted upon the lower face of a nonconducting block 69secured to the under face of the casting 10, and to which are securedthe wires 67 and 69. The remaining terminal of the magnet is connectedby a conductor 71, preferably passing through the tubular member 31 andthence to the revolver butt. The magnet 66 is energized and therecording takes place when the trigger of the aiming device is pressedin simulation of the act of firing by means of the electric circuitdescribed. The circuit may be closed in any suitable manner by thepulling of the trigger. \Ve have herein shown one type of mechanismwhich is well adapted for the purpose.

The conductors 69 and 71 pass into the butt of the revolver and areconnected to the contact pieces 7 5 and 76. The revolver butt is shownin Fig. 10 with one face removed to illustrate the construction of thecircuit closing mechanism. The contacts 7 5 and 76 remain normally inseparation, but are brought together when the trigger is pressed by thesliding presser block 77, of insulating material, pivoted to the lever78, the latter having a depending extension 79, directly back of therevolver trigger 80. The ends of the contact pieces enter the opening 81in the lower end of the sliding block 77, so that when the trigger ispulled and the contact block is raised in response to the movement ofthe lever 78, the walls of the contracted opening 81 draw the divergingends of the contact pieces together and complete the electric circuit.This form of circuit closing mechanism is satisfactory, since it may beplaced in the waste space of the receiver butt and is sensitive inoperation, but any other desired type of circuit closing mechanism maybe employed.

hen the apparatus is out of use, the revolver may be held in a fixedposition in any suitable manner, and in the present type of theinvention (Figs. 7 and S) by means of a hinged rest 82, pivoted upon theside members 37, and adapted when in use, to be swung into the verticalposition shown in dotted lines in Fig. 8. lVhen the said rest is in usethe barrel of the revolver is received in the ii-shaped depression 83,formed midlength thereof, the opposing walls of said depression beingpreferably provided with set screws Set, by the adjustment of which therevolver when resting thereon may be so adjusted upon the supportingframe proper that the line of revolver sight intersects the bulls-eye ofthe target. Such adjustment, however, usually occurs only pe riodically,and will ordinarily be necessary only when there has been injury to ordisplacement of some of the parts. At the time of such adjustment orwhile the revolver barrel is received upon the said pivoted rest- 82,the recording needle 3, may be adjusted in the manner previouslydescribed, either vertically or laterally about the point of contactthereof with the positioning device 57 as a center. This adjustment ofthe needle may be to conform the line of the needle to the line ofrevolver sight.

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that during gyrationsor movements of the revolver already described, such movements thereofas result in de- "iation of the line of revolver sight from thebulls-eye of the main target, are faithfully reproduced by correspondingdeviations of the needle from the bulls-eye of the sub-target, it being,however, understood that in the present type of the invention it isregarded as unnecessary to reproduce by the recording needle the line ofrevolver sight when the same does not intersect the main target; all ofwhich has been fully set forth.

Aim having been taken at the main target and the trigger pulled, thecircuit is thereby closed, the magnet energized, and the secondary orsub-target is in the present type of the invention thrown forwardagainst the needle point to receive the record of the aim. After onerecord has been made, other records may be made upon the same secondaryor sub-target, or the latter may be withdrawn from its holder and afresh target substituted for a continuation of the practice. It will, ofcourse be understood that blank cartridges may be fired with therevolver, if desired. The secondary or sub-target will be soproportioned to the main target as to correctly record thereon the aimtaken at the former. The dimensions, as well as the entire constructionof the apparatus, may be varied as desired. The efiect of any desiredlength of range may be secured by making the main target of anyappropriate size, reducing the same for any increased range that may bedesired.

Although in the present type of the invention the apparatus is mountedupon the base 4, yet many features of the invent-ion are equally adaptedto use with the provi sion of overhead supporting members or in anysuitable type of apparatus wherein the effect of a floating suspensionis secured, or in any apparatus wherein a freely movable support isobtained by any desired mechanism.

In devices of this class it is of great importance that there should bepermitted the aiming device while in the hands of the marksman a freepositioning movement, that is to say, one which serves to alter theposition of the aiming device without neces sarily changing its line ofsight with reference to the bulls-eye. This is necessary in order thatthe marksman may raise or lower the firearm or move it to one side orthe other for positioning purposes prior to executing an aimingmovement. In the described construction such positioning of the revolvermay be had not only by reason of the fore and aft rocking movement ofthe support 11, as well as its rotative movement on the base 4, but alsoby reason of the vertical swinging movement of the supporting frame 23and the oscillatory or rocking movement of the carrier 36 about itshori- Zontal bearing to accommodate the wrist movement of the marksman.Such free positioning or non-deflecting movements of the aiming deviceprovide against any conscious aiming point of rest and in no wiseinterfere with the aiming or deflecting movements which take place in ahorizontal plane about the pivot L1, or the vertical deflecting .aimingmovements about the pivot 43, including the upward and downwarddeflecting sweeps which, as above described, the marksman may perform asin the usual practice.

Having thus described one type or embodiment of the invention, we wishit to be understood that although the same has been set forth in detailand described specifically, yet such terms of description are employedmerely in a descriptive and not in a limiting sense and that the scopeof the invention is set forth in the following claims.

We claim.

1. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device, aim indicatingmeans for indicating the aim thereof without the necessary issuance of aprojectile, supporting means whereon said aiming device has free aimingmovement and a base whereon said supporting means is mounted for freepositioning movement relative thereto.

2. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device, aim indicatingmeans for indicating the aim thereof without the necessary issuance of aprojectile, supporting means whereon said aiming device has free aimingmovement and a base whereon said supporting means is mounted for freerotative positioning movement relative thereto.

3. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device, aim indicatingmeans for indicating the aim thereof without the necessary issuance 'ofa projectile, supporting means whereon said aiming device has freeaiming movement and a stationary base whereon said supporting means ismounted for free positioning movement relative thereto.

4. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device, aim indicatingmeans for indicating the aim thereof without the neces sary issuance ofa projectile, supporting means whereon said aiming device has freeaiming movement and a stationary base whereon said supporting means ismounted for free rotative positioning movement relative thereto.

5. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at atarget or like object, a carrier upon which said aiming device isfulcrumed for horizontal and vertical aiming movement, a base, and meansconnecting said base and carrier to permit of lateral and longitudinalswinging movement of the latter relative to said base, and independentlyof or simultaneously with the aiming movement of said aiming device.

6. A targetpractice apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at atarget or like object, a carrier upon which said aiming device ismounted to permit of free aiming movement thereof, supporting meanswhereon said carrier is mounted and comprising mechanism to permitrocking movement of the carrier thereon, and a base for supporting saidcarrier having provision for independent movement of the latter to saidbase.

7. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at atarget or like object, a support upon which said aiming device isfulcrumed for aiming movement, a base whereon said support is mountedfor free positioning movement relative thereto and following means alsosustained by said support to follow the aim of said aiming device withrelation to a reference object.

8. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at atarget or like object, a movable support for said target or like objectand upon which said aiming device is fulcrumed for aiming movement, abase whereon said support is mounted for free positioning movementrelative thereto, and following means to follow the aim of said aimingdevice with relation to said target or object.

9. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at atarget or like object, following means to follow the aim thereof,supporting means for said aiming device and following means, said aimingdevice having free aiming movement on and relative to said supportingmeans, a base whereon the latter is mounted for free rela tivepositioning movement, and connected mechanism to permit of such movementsimultaneously with or independently of the aim of said aiming device.

10. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at atarget or like object, following means to follow the aim thereof withrelation to a reference object, a longitudinal and lateral movable andcommon support for said aiming device, following means and referenceobject, and a base whereon said support is mounted for free positioningmovement relative thereto during the aiming movement.

11. A target practice apparatus comprising a main target, an aimingdevice for aiming thereat, a secondary target, following means to followthe aim of said aiming device with relation to said main target, acommon support for said main target, secondary target, following meansand aiming device, and a base whereon said support is mounted formovement relative thereto.

12. A target practice apparatus comprising a main target, an aimingdevice for aiming thereat, a secondary target, following means to followthe aim of said aiming device with relation to the main target, a commonsupport for said main and secondary targets, aiming device and followingmeans, and a base whereon said support is mounted for rotation relativethereto.

13. A target practice apparatus having a main target, a secondarytarget, an aiming device and following means, a common sup port for saidmain target, secondary target, aiming device and following means and astationary base whereon said common support is mounted for rotativemovement relative thereto.

14. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device, means forindicating the aim thereof without the necessary issuance of aprojectile, a swinging support whereon said aiming device is mounted foraiming movement, and a base whereon said swinging support is mounted formovement relative thereto, said support having connections with saidbase to permit rocking and rotative movements of said support.

15. A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device, aimindicating means for indicating the aim thereof without the issuance ofa projectile, a swinging carrier therefor having a rocking movementabout one end and whereon and relative to which said aiming device hasfree aiming movement and a base for said carrier and to which said endis connected and whereon the same is mounted for movement relativethereto.

16. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device, aim indicatingmeans for indicating the aim thereof without the necessary issuance of aprojectile, following means to follow the aim thereof, a swingingsupport provided with a plurality of pivotally connected or hingedmembers and whereon said aiming device and following means are mountedfor free aiming movement and a base whereon said support is mounted formovement relative thereto.

17. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device for aiming at atarget or like object, following means to follow the aim thereof withrelation to a reference object, connecting means for the main target andaiming device to maintain the desired relation between the same, acommon support for said aiming device, following means, and connectingmeans, and a base whereon said support is mounted for rotative movementrelative thereto.

18. A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device, a maintarget, a secondary target, a tubular support common to said maintarget, secondary target and aiming device, and a base whereon saidcommon support is mounted for movement relative thereto.

19. A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device, a maintarget, a secondary target, a tubular support common to said maintarget, secondary target and aiming device, and a base whereon saidcommon support is mounted for rotation relative thereto.

20. A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device, followingmeans, a main target, a secondary target, a tubular support common tosaid aiming device, following means, main target and secondary target,and a base whereon the support is mounted for movement relative thereto.

21. A target practice apparatus comprismg an aiming device, a supportupon which said aiming device is fulcrumed, a main target also upon saidsupport, connections permitting the movement of said support forpositioning the same prior to or during the aiming movement of saidaiming device and a base whereon said support is mounted for movementrelative thereto.

22. An apparatus of the class described comprising an aiming device, asupport upon which said aiming device is fulcrumed, a main target andfollowing means also upon said support, connections permitting movementof the main target during movement of said aiming device, and a basewhereon said support is mounted for movement relative thereto.

28. A target practice apparatus comprising a base, a rocking supportmounted upon said base, an aiming device and main target mounted uponsaid support and connections permitting free aiming movement of saiddevice with relation to said target.

24. A target practice apparatus comprising a base, a rocking supportmounted upon said base, an aiming device, following means, a main targetand secondary target mounted upon said support, said aiming devicehaving free aiming movement thereon with relation to said main target.

A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device for aiming at atargetor like object, following means to follow the aim thereof withrelation to a reference object, a support upon which said aiming deviceis fulcrumed for aiming movement thereof, and a base whereon saidsupport is mounted for movement to permit of positioning said aimingdevice when in the hands of the marksman.

26. A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device for aimingat a target or like object, following means for following the aimthereof with relation to a secondary target, electromagnetic meansrelatively remote from said secondary target for effecting record of theaim thereupon, a rocking support whereon said aiming device, followingmeans and electro-magnetic means are mounted, and a base for saidrocking sup port.

27. A target practice apparatus having an aiming device, aim indicatingmeans for indicating the aim thereof without the necessary issuance of aprojectile, a pivoted rest to retain said aiming device in its normalposition when out of use and aim adjusting means upon said pivoted rest.

28. A target practice apparatus comprising, in combination, an aimingdevice, a target at which aim is to be directed, sustaining means, saidaiming devices having provision to permit, while in the hands of themarksman, a positioning movement thereof with and upon said target,connections intermediate the latter and said aiming device to permitfree aiming movement of said aiming device relative to said sustainingmeans, a follower for said aiming device to follow and indicate the aimthereof by movement relative to a reference object and a base whereonsaid support is mounted for move-' ment relative thereto.

29. A target practice apparatus comprising a base, a rocking supportmounted thereon, an aiming device mounted upon said support and springequilibrium establishing means for said rocking support.

30. A target practice apparatus comprising a pivoted support, an aimingdevice mounted thereon and spring equilibrium establishing means forsaid support.

31. A target practice apparatus comprising a rocking support, an aimingdevice mounted thereon, and spring equilibrium establishing means forsaid support.

32. A target practice apparatus comprising a base, an upright rockingsupportmounted thereon and comprising a plurality of pivoted members, anaiming device mounted upon said support and spring equilibriumestablishing means connecting corresponding pivoted members.

33. A target practice apparatus comprising a rocking support having aplurality of normally upright pivoted rods, an aiming device mounted onsaid support and spring equilibrium establishing means for said support.

34. A target practice apparatus comprising a base, a rocking supportmounted thereon and comprising a plurality of normally upright pivotedmembers, a coiled spring uniting a pair of said members and adapted uponthe rocking movement thereof to be distended and an aiming devicemounted upon said support.

35. A target practice apparatus comprising, in combination, a base, amovable support mounted thereon, a frame carried by said supportprovided with target means, and an aiming device movably mounted on saidsupport to permit of free aiming movement of said aiming device relativethereto.

36. A target practice apparatus comprising a base, a rocking supportmounted thereon, a frame carried by said support and movable relativethereto, and a target and aiming device carried by said frame.

37. A target practice apparatus comprising a base, a rocking supportmounted thereon, a frame pivoted upon said support, a target carried bysaid frame and an aiming device carried upon said frame having freeaiming movement with relation to said target.

38. A target practice apparatus compris-.

ing a movable support, a frame mounted thereon for movement relativethereto, a target carried by said frame and an aiming device alsocarried by said frame and having free aiming movement thereon relativeto said target.

39. A target practice appa 'atus comprising a base, a support mountedthereon for movement relative thereto, a tar 'et and aiming devicesupporting frame, relative movement permitting connections betweeirsaidframe and said support, and an aiming device mounted upon said frame andhaving free aiming movement thereon.

40. A target practice apparatus comprising a support, a target andaiming device supporting frame thereon and movable relatively thereto,an aiming device supporting frame proper mounted in said frame forrelative movement and carrying an aiming device.

41. A target practice apparatus comprising a support, a target andaiming device supporting frame mounted thereon and movable relativelythereto and an axially disposed aiming device supporting frame properaxially mounted therein and carrying an aiming device, whereby saidaiming device may be oscillated about an axis coincident with thebulls-eye of the target.

42. A target practice apparatus comprising a support, a target andaiming device supporting frame mounted thereon and movable relativelythereto, an axially disposed aiming device supporting frame properaxially mounted in said supporting frame, said axial line intersectingthe bullseye of the target and an aiming device mounted upon saidsupporting frame proper, so that the line of sight thereof normallyforms an element of a cone whose axis intersects the bulls eye of thetarget.

43. A target practice apparatus comprising a base, a rocking supportmounted thereon, a target and aiming device supporting frame mounted onsaid support for move ment relatively thereto, an axially disposedaiming device supporting frame proper pivoted in the latter and havingthe axial line of its pivot intersecting the bullseye target and anaiming device upon said supporting frame proper and having free aimingmovement relative thereto.

44. A target practice apparatus comprising a movable support, a framemounted thereon for movement relative thereto, an aiming devicesupported by said frame, positioning movement connections for saiddevice between the same and said frame, and free aiming movementconnections between said aiming device and said frame.

45. A target practice apparatus comprising sustaining means, a supportmounted thereon and movable relatively thereto, a carrier mounted onsaid support, an aiming device mounted for deflecting or aiming movementwith said carrier, connections permitting a horizontal deflectingmovement between said aiming device and said carrier, connectionsbetween said aiming device and said first frame permitting oscillatorynon-deflecting movement, and connections between said aiming device andsaid frame permitting sweeping deflecting movement of the said device.

46. A target practice apparatus comprising a support, an aiming devicefor aiming at a target, sustaining means mounted on said support andcarrying said aiming device, a follower for following the aimingmovement of the aiming device and adapted to be deflected when the aimof the aiming device is deflected with reference to the target aimed atand connections between said aiming device and said sustaining meanspermitting an oscillatory movement of the aiming device withoutdeflection.

47. A target practice apparatus comprising, in combination, a support,an aiming device, sustaining means intermediate the latter and saidsupport for sustaining said aiming device, and including connections topermit of horizontal deflecting movement and vertical sweepingdeflecting movements of the latter relatively to a target and also topermit oscillatory vertical and horizontal non-deflecting movements forpositioning the same.

48. A target practice apparatus comprising a supporting frame, an aimingdevice mounted therein for movement relatively thereto, following meansmounted to partake of the movement of said aiming device and a movablefollowing means positioning device mounted in said frame and havingcapacity for movement therein below the horizontal.

49. A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device, a swingingsupport therefor, a member wherein said support is mounted for swingingmovement in an are extending below the horizontal, following meanscarried by said swinging support and partaking of the movement of saidaiming device and a following means positioning device mounted in saidmember to partake of the said downward swinging movement of saidfollowing means.

50. A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device, a swingingsupport therefor, a pivoted frame wherein said swinging support ismounted for movement in an are below the horizontal, aiming devicefollowing means carried by said swinging support, a following meanspositioning device carried by said pivoted frame and sustaining meansfor said pivoted frame.

51. A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device, a swingingsupport therefor, a pivoted frame wherein said swinging support ismounted for movement in an arc below the horizontal, aiming devicefollowing means carried by said swinging support, a following meanspositioning de vice carried by said pivoted frame and having movementrelative thereto, and sustaining means for said pivoted frame.

52. A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device, a swingingsupport therefor, a frame wherein said swinging support is pivoted forpositioning movement below the horizontal, aiming device following meanscarried by said swinging support, and a following means positioningdevice carried by said frame.

53. A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device, sustainingmeans therefor, a frame wherein said sustaining means is mounted andpositioning movement permitting connection between said frame and saidsustaining means, permitting movement of the latter below thehorizontal.

54. A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device, a swingingsupport therefor, a frame wherein the same is mounted for sweepingpositioning movement above and below the horizontal and relativelymovable following means and following means positioning device mountedin said frame.

55. A target practice apparatus comprising, in combination, an aimingdevice for aiming at a target, a vertically swinging carrier on whichsaid aiming device is fulcrumed for aiming movement, a frame whereinsaid carrier is mounted to permit of vertical swinging movement to bringthe aiming device either above or below the line of sight to be taken atthe target, and a base on which said frame is mounted for independentmovement relative thereto.

56. A target. practice apparatus comprising an aiming device, a supporttherefor, a follower to follow the aiming movement thereof, a recordingmeans, connections between said aiming device and said support forpermitting movement of said aiming device in a vertical arc below thehorizontal and connections between said aiming device and saidsupportfor permiting free aiming movement thereof relative to saidsupport.

57. A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device. a supportwherein said aiming device is mounted, sustaining means for saidsupport, connections between said support and said sustaining means,whereby said support may receive a movement of the aiming device belowthe horizo-ntal and separate connections between said aiming device andsaid support to permit of free aiming movement of the former.

58. A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device target meansat which aim is to be directed, a support wherein said aiming device ismounted, connections between said aiming device and said support topermit of deflections of said aiming device from the line of sight, anda rotatable sustaining means for said support to permit ofindependentdetlecting movement thereof and of said aiming device inaiming or positioning the latter.

59. A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device, supportingmeans wherein said aiming device is mounted, connections between saidaiming device and said supporting means for permitting universal aimingmovement of the former, sustaining means for said supporting means, andconnections between said sustaining and supporting means for permittingoscillatory movement between them for positioning said aiming deviceprior to or sin'iultaneously with the aiming movement thereof.

60. A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device, a support'wherein said aiming device is mounted, connections therebetweenpermitting a movement of deflection of said aiming device relative tosaid support, sustaining means for said support, connections betweensaid sustaining means and said support for permitting oscillatorymovement of said aiming device, and relatively movable following meansand a following means positioning device.

61. A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device, a supportwherein said aiming device is mounted, sustaining means for said supporthav connection therewith whereby said aiming devce may receive movementin an are extending below the horizontal, following means for followingthe aim of the aiming device and arranged to partake o1 the movement ofsaid support and a positioning device for the following means mountedupon and sustaining means.

62. it target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device, a supportwherein said aiming device is mounted, sustaining means for saidsupport, connections therebetween whereby said aiming device may receivemovement in an arc extending below the horizontal, following meanspartaking of the movement of said support and a device yieldinglymounted upon said sustaining means to partake of the downward movementof said support lor positioning said following means.

63. A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device, supportingmeans therefor, sustaining means for said support, connectionstherebetween permitting movement of said supporting means in a verticalplane, following means carried by said supporting means, universaladjustment means for said following means, and a following meanspcsiticning device carried by said sustaining means.

(it. A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device, supportingmeans therefor, sustaining means for said support, connectionstlierebetween permitting movement of said supporting means in a verticalplane, following means carried by said supporting means, universaladjustment means for said following means, and a following meanspositioning device carried by said sustaining means and movablerelatively thereto whereby it may be depressed in the movement of saidsupporting means.

65. A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device, apositioning movement support wherein the same is mounted, deflectingmovement permitting connections between said aiming device and saidsupport, pivoted sustaining means for said positioning movement support,said sustaining means being pivoted upon an axis whose line intersectsthe bulls-eye of the target, and a common supporting means for saidaiming device and target.

(36. A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming'device, apositioning movement support wherein the same is mounted, deflectingmovement permitting connections between said aiming device and saidsupport, pivoted sustaining means for said positioning movement support,said sustaining means being pivoted upon an axis whose line intersectsthe bulls-eye of the target, a common supporting means for said aimingdevice and target, and means permitting r0cking movement of saidsupporting means.

67. A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device, a movablesupport therefor and provisions maintaining said support in equilibriumin any position assumed thereby, whereby free movements of the aimingdevice are permitted without absorption or neutralization of saidmovements by inertia of said support.

68. A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device, a movablesupport therefor and equilibrium establishing devices operativelyconnected with said support, whereby said support is maintained inequilibrium in any position assumed thereby and movements of the aimingdevice are not neutralized in any position of the support.

(39. A target practice apparatus comprising an aiming device, a pivotedsupport therefor, and equilibrium establishing connections for saidsupport permit-ting free movements of the aiming device.

'70. A target practice apparatus comprising a movable support,equilibrium establishing devices operatively connected therewith tomaintain the same in equilibrium in any position assumed thereby, asecond support mounted upon the first support with capacity for movementrelatively thereto, equilibrium establishing devices operativelyconnected with said second support to maintain it in equilibrium in anyposition assumed thereby without respect to any position assumed by thefirst support, and an aiming device operatively connected to said secondsupport and accorded free movement by said supports.

71. A target practice apparatus comprising a pivoted support,equilibrium establishing devices operatively connected therewith tomaintain the same in equilibrium in any posit-ion assumed thereby, asecond support pivoted upon the first support, equilib rium establishingdevices operatively connected with said second support to main tain itin equilibrium in any position assumed thereby without respect to anyposi tion assumed by the first support, and an aiming device operativelyconnected to said second support and accorded free movement by saidsupports.

72. A target practice apparatus comprising a pivoted support, springequilibrium establishing devices therefor to maintain it in equilibriumin any position assumed thereby, a second support pivoted upon the firstsupport, spring equilibrium establishing devices to maintain it inequilibrium in any position assumed thereby without respect to anyposition assumed by the first support, and an aiming device operativelyconnected to said second support and accorded free movements by saidsupports.

78. A target practice apparatus comprising in combination a support, anaiming device adapted to be aimed at, a main target, a follower forfollowing the movements of the aiming device, and connections betweenthe support and the aiming device to permit of a downward sweepingmovement of the aiming device and follower relatively to the field ofthe main target.

74. A target practice apparatus comprising in combination an aimingdevice, a main target support, and established connections between saidaiming device and main target support to permit of a downward sweepingmovement thereof relatively to the field of said main target.

75. A target practice apparatus c0mprising in combination a revolver, amain target support and established connections between said revolverand main target sup-- port to permit of a downward sweeping movement ofthe revolver relatively to the field of the main target.

76. A target practice apparatus comprising a revolver, a follower tofollow the aiming movement thereof, a main target support andestablished connections between the revolver, follower and main targetsupport to permit of a downward sweeping movement of the revolverrelatively to the field of the target.

77. A target practice apparatus comprising in combination a revolver, afollower to follow the aiming movement thereof, a main target supportand established connections between the revolver, follower and targetsupport to permit of a combined downward and upward sweeping movement ofthe revolver relatively to the field of the main target.

In testimony whereof, we have signed our names to this specification, inthe presence of two subscribing witnesses.

HENRY A. STEBBINS. ARTHUR A. ADAMS. Witnesses:

IRVING U. Townsnnn, ARTHUR E. Carson.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G.

